920: How to Build MCP Servers

In this episode of Syntax, Scott Tolinski and Scott discuss the Model Context Protocol (MCP), a standard for exposing tools to AI. Scott Tolinski explains MCP's purpose, recent updates, and its use in various applications like IDEs, chat applications, and AI libraries. He shares his experience building an MCP server for currency conversion, highlighting the importance of providing AI with external tools for tasks like math and accessing real-time data. The discussion covers authentication, transport protocols (standard IO and HTTP with server-sent events), and tools like the MCP Inspector for exploring MCP servers. They also touch on resources for supplying files to AI, reusable prompts, and the distinction between tool calling and MCP. The episode concludes with a discussion on handy MCP servers, the resurgence of APIs, and personal "sick picks," including Mario Kart and kids' smartwatches.